Telecom
Danbatta Says effective governance will protect 122 million Nigeria’s Internet users
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that 122 million Nigeria’s Internet users will be more protected online through a synergistic collaboration among various organisations and agencies of government to enthrone effective Internet governance in the country.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive (EVC/CE) Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), stated this at the 8th edition of the Nigerian Internet Governance Forum (NIGF) with the theme: “Enabling Digital Common Wealth for Development” which took place at MUSON Centre, Lagos.
L-R: Edith Udeagu, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Internet Registration Association( NIRA); Engineer (Dr) Chidi Diugwu, Head New Technology and Assessment NCC; representing the EVC/ CEO NCC, Prof. U.G Danbatta; Mary Uduma, Chairperson Nigeria Internet Governance Forum, Olatokunboh O. Oyeleye, Deputy Director, New Media and Information Security Department NCC.
Addressing stakeholders at the forum, Danbatta, who was represented by the Head, New Technology and Assessment at NCC’s New Media and Information Security Department, Dr. Chidi Diugwu, said the Internet remains one of the most important and critical resources in the 21st Century with potential to be used for both good and bad transactions and purposes.
He noted that this objective reality necessitated the need to put some common rules in place to prevent Internet being abused against individuals, organisations and the nation.
Speaking further Danbatta stated that the Commission’s active participation in the annual forum underscored the importance of the 5th item of its ongoing 8-Point Agenda which focuses on Strategic Partnership and Collaboration.
With over 122 million Internet users in Nigeria, as at May, 2019 and 33.13 per cent Broadband penetration in the country, Danbatta said the Commission will not rest on its oars but will intensify efforts at putting in place an Internet Industry Code of Practice (IICP) that will spell out the minimum acceptable behaviours relating to the provision and use of the Internet in Nigeria.
The NCC team at the NIGF
This is particularly important because NCC is actively promoting increased access to the Internet through the already licensed Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) and other initiatives which are expected to heighten Internet access by the people of Nigeria.
The forum, organised by the Ministry of Communications, in collaboration with NCC, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as well as other organisations including the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) and the Internet Society Nigeria (ISOC NG), is also supported by DigitalSENSE Africa Media, Creative Technology Development International (CTDI), Global Network for Cyber Solution (GNC) and other stakeholders within the Nigerian Communications technology ecosystem.
Google has launched its Search Live feature globally to over 200 countries, including Nigeria, where AI Mode is available, enabling voice-and-camera conversations in users’ preferred languages.
Powered by the new multilingual Gemini 3.1 Flash Live model, it delivers natural, real-time interactions via the Google app on Android or iOS—tap the Live icon under the Search bar.
Ideal for hands-free help, users can speak queries for audio replies, follow-ups, or web links. Camera integration adds visual context, like troubleshooting a shelving unit, or pairs with Google Lens for real-world chats.
From the app or Lens, Nigerians can now explore, learn, or solve tasks instantly, boosting everyday productivity worldwide.
Clean and reliable power for telecom networks in Ethiopia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone will be expanded following a $45 million investment by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in IPT PowerTech.
The investment targets countries where limited power supply continues to slow digital connectivity and broader economic participation, the institution stated earlier this week.
To enable this expansion, the IFC is providing a $45 million corporate financing package consisting of an A-loan of $27 million and $18 million in blended finance.
The blended portion is sourced from the Canada-IFC Blended Climate Finance Programme and the IDA20 Private Sector Window Blended Finance Facility.
The initiative marks the IFC’s first direct infrastructure engagement in Liberia in a decade and in Sierra Leone in six years.
It will help scale solar- and battery-based power systems that reduce reliance on diesel and support greener, more resilient telecom networks.
By improving the quality and stability of power to telecom towers, the initiative will strengthen mobile coverage and ensure that households, schools, health centres, and small businesses can depend on consistent digital services, said the IFC.
The funding supports the modernisation, operation, and maintenance of 2 235 telecom sites across the three nations. More than 90% of these are located in off-grid or weak-grid locations.
With new solar and battery systems powering these sites, mobile networks will experience fewer outages and improved service quality.
Optimising the energy mix is estimated to reduce power costs for operators by up to 30% in Liberia, 26% in Sierra Leone, and 52% in Ethiopia.
This transition is also expected to cut emissions by more than 10 624 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Furthermore, the partnership will promote gender inclusion by expanding opportunities for women in technical, operational, and leadership roles within the sector, says the IFC.
This agreement reflects a shared vision for a greener telecom industry and empowers the company to scale its innovative energy platforms, according to Nabil Haddad, CEO of IPT PowerTech Group.
Reliable and affordable power for telecom networks is a cornerstone of Africa’s digital transformation, said Nathalie Kouassi-Akon, IFC regional director for West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
Through this partnership, the institution is supporting a scalable, private sector-led solution that enables mobile operators to reach underserved and fragile communities more sustainably, added Kouassi-Akon.
The project advances the World Bank Group and African Development Bank’s Mission 300 initiative, which aims to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
Expedier has unveiled “Expedier for Business,” an online pro-banking platform to simplify global payments, multi-currency transactions, and financial operations for expanding companies.
Kingsley Madu
The tool centralizes payments, invoicing, payroll, and treasury into one secure dashboard, tackling challenges like fragmented systems and poor visibility that hinder international scaling.
Kingsley Madu, Co-Founder and CEO of Expedier, said: “African businesses are increasingly global… Expedier for Business was built to simplify how companies manage money across borders while maintaining visibility, control, and compliance.”
Key features include customizable dashboards for payments, invoices, and workflows; support for USD, CAD, GBP, EUR, and more; virtual cards; automated payroll/invoicing; currency swaps; and real-time tracking.
Security measures cover two-factor authentication, KYC/KYB verification, and team access controls.
As cross-border trade and remote work boom in Africa, the platform aids firms dealing with international suppliers, teams, and customers. It is now available for organizations scaling globally.
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